Volume 7, Number 25                                  18 June 1990
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    |                                                 /  \          |
    |                                                /|oo \         |
    |        - FidoNews -                           (_|  /_)        |
    |                                                _`@/_ \    _   |
    |         FidoNet (r)                           |     | \   \\  |
    |  International BBS Network                    | (*) |  \   )) |
    |         Newsletter               ______       |__U__| /  \//  |
    |                                 / FIDO \       _//|| _\   /   |
    |                                (________)     (_/(_|(____/    |
    |                                                     (jm)      |
    +---------------------------------------------------------------+
    Editor in Chief:                                  Vince Perriello
    Editors Emeritii:                    Thom Henderson,  Dale Lovell
    Chief Procrastinator Emeritus:                       Tom Jennings

    Copyright 1990, Fido Software.  All rights reserved.  Duplication
    and/or distribution permitted  for  noncommercial  purposes only.
    For use in other circumstances, please  contact  Fido Software.

    FidoNews  is  published  weekly  by  the  System Operators of the
    FidoNet  (r)  International  BBS Network.  It is a compilation of
    individual articles  contributed  by  their authors or authorized
    agents of the  authors.    The  contribution  of articles to this
    compilation does not diminish the rights of the authors.

    You  are  encouraged   to  submit  articles  for  publication  in
    FidoNews.  Article submission standards are contained in the file
    ARTSPEC.DOC, available from node 1:1/1.    1:1/1  is a Continuous
    Mail system, available for network mail 24 hours a day.

    Fido and  FidoNet  are  registered  trademarks of Tom Jennings of
    Fido Software, Box  77731,  San  Francisco  CA 94107, USA and are
    used with permission.

    Opinions expressed in  FidoNews articles are those of the authors
    and are not necessarily  those of the Editor or of Fido Software.
    Most articles are unsolicited.   Our  policy  is to publish every
    responsible submission received.


                       Table of Contents
    1. ARTICLES  .................................................  1
       Why the Restrictions on Public Domain Software?  ..........  1
       SIGN FRIENDS UPDATE-Echo Tie in and File Info  ............  3
       Tiffany & Debbie Gibson Echo  .............................  5
       UNITEX SEMINAR AT CONCLAVE '90  ...........................  6
    2. COLUMNS  ..................................................  9
       Talk Me Through It, Honey  ................................  9
    3. NOTICES  .................................................. 12
       The Interrupt Stack  ...................................... 12
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 1                   18 Jun 1990


    =================================================================
                                ARTICLES
    =================================================================

    John Herro
    1:3610/38

             Why the Restrictions on Public Domain Software?

    Some of the  VERY  BEST  software around is  public  domain,  and
    that's especially true of communications programs.   But unfortu-
    nately,  some of this excellent software isn't available from the
    shareware/PD houses,  because the authors  forbid  anyone to earn
    money by distributing their software.  As a result,  the software
    has to be downloaded or file requested.   Now don't get me wrong.
    The authors have every right to place whatever  restrictions they
    want on their programs,  because  they own the software.   What I
    don't understand is their  MOTIVE for not allowing others to sell
    the SERVICE of copying these programs.

    For example, there's an EXCELLENT program that serves as a commu-
    nications terminal as well as a front end mailer.   As a terminal
    program, it has X-, Y-, and Z-modem built in,  along with Sealink
    and  Telink.   (More than one  commercial  program lacks Zmodem!)
    Although the PD program doesn't have a  dialing  menu  quite like
    some  shareware  and  commercial products, it uses the whole Fido
    NodeList for a dialing directory!   Just type a  net/node  number
    and the rest is  automatic!   I don't know of any other  terminal
    program that does that.   And as a front end mailer,  the PD pro-
    gram saves many a sysop from spending $100 on a commercial  mail-
    er.  And this excellent program isn't even shareware; it's FREE!

    Then there's a  superb  bulletin-board  program,  one of the most
    commonly used in FidoNet.   It's very user friendly,  and it pro-
    vides Continuous Mail capability even WITHOUT a front-end mailer!
    Phone it with a mailer program,  and it recognizes the mailer and
    lets you request files  and  send and receive  messages  with  or
    without  files  attached.  Phone the same program with a terminal
    program, and you're welcomed to the BBS without delay! Now THAT'S
    software!  The price of this state-of-the-art BBS system?  That's
    right, FREE!

    But for some reason, you can't get these programs from the share-
    ware/PD houses; you have to find them yourself.  On many bulletin
    boards, you have to wait to be validated before you can even look
    to see if the board has the files you want.   The files for these
    programs take quite  a  while  to  download,  unless you're lucky
    enough to own a high speed modem.  You better have something GOOD
    to upload,  or the large  downloads  won't endear you to the host
    sysops.  Also,  the bulletin board program is spread over a large
    number of files, and you may have difficulty determining when you
    have all the files you need.   Now please don't misunderstand me.
    The trouble of  finding  and  downloading  these files is a  VERY
    SMALL PRICE to pay for such excellent programs,  and we should be
    truly  grateful  to the authors for providing them.   But I would
    gladly pay some  shareware/PD house a few bucks per disk to go to
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 2                   18 Jun 1990


    this trouble for me.

    Believe it or not,  I'm lucky enough to live near a  shareware/PD
    RETAIL STORE!  Yes,  on my way home from work I can walk into the
    store and get a copy of any program in their catalog,  instantly,
    for $3 a disk!  The catalog has a whole paragraph describing each
    program, providing much more detail than the single line descrip-
    tions found on most bulletin boards.   It also  explains  clearly
    about  paying  for shareware.   I turn to the  Telecommunications
    section of the catalog  and find several  terminal  programs  and
    several bulletin boards, but none as good as the PD programs men-
    tioned above.

    THANK YOU,  programmers,  for providing such  wonderful software!
    But why do some of you dislike these  shareware/PD  houses?   You
    have  every right to say that you don't want anyone earning money
    by handling YOUR programs,  but why not give your users a choice:
    to download your programs or to pay someone else to download them
    instead?

    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 3                   18 Jun 1990


    Anthony Grillo
    Fido 1:272/94


                  SIGN FRIENDS-ECHO & FILE INFORMATION

    The response to SIGN FRIENDS has been overwhelming and a few
    developments have occured since the article was released in
    FIDONEWS.

    We had planned to form our own echo for SIGN FRIENDS but we had
    an invitation from the SILENTTALK Echo and we are taking them up
    on the offer. SIGN FRIENDS will be supported on the SILENTTALK
    echo which is available on the backbone. Check with your NEC for
    a tie in.

    I also had a few requests about the file sizes. Well I decided
    not only to list the sizes but to give you the complete file
    info so you know you have the real thing. Please note that
    SIGN37-3.XXX has been updated. If you have a version dated prior
    to 5-27-90 all you need to do is FILE REQUEST MENUII3.BAS and
    you'll have the latest version.

                           SIGN FRIENDS FILES

    SIGN37-1.EXE  67617   5-17-90
    SIGN37-1.ZIP  54832   5-17-90

    SIGN37-2.EXE  63034   5-17-90
    SIGN37-2.ZIP  50250   5-17-90

    SIGN37-3.EXE  82237   5-27-90  Just Updated
    SIGN37-3.ZIP  69453   5-27-90  Just Updated

    MENUII3.BAS    1408   5-27-90  Upgrades older Version of
                                   SIGN37-3.XXX

    SIGN37-4.EXE  66474   6-10-90  NEW RELEASE
    SIGN37-4.ZIP  53690   6-10-90  NEW RELEASE

    PLEASE NOTE!!: You may file request the above files from the
     Electronic Mall anytime except 3am-6am EDT (0700-1000 GMT).

                             PROGRAM AUTHOR

    Just to clarify the situation. Fran O'Gorman is the author of
    Sign Friends. All program questions, suggestions, nice letters
    etc. should be addressed to Fran. Fran can be reached here by
    Netmail or on the SILENTTALK Echo. Anthony Grillo is the sysop
    of the host BBS for the SIGN FRIENDS program. Any problems with
    downloading or file request should be addressed to Anthony.

    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 4                   18 Jun 1990


    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 5                   18 Jun 1990


                       Tiffany & Debbie Gibson Echo
                             by Daniel Tobias
                                 1:380/7

    Despite popular demand, I have inaugurated an echo devoted to the
    young singers, Debbie Gibson and Tiffany.  This echo, TIFF&DEB,
    is being distributed as a non-backbone echo to participating
    sysops for the purpose of discussing Tiff and Deb in an
    atmosphere free of the obnoxious flaming that ensues when their
    names come up in the general MUSIC echo.

    Any sysop interested in carrying TIFF&DEB should send me netmail.

    You can take a peek at it in message area 14 of my system,
    reachable 24 hours at (318) 424-9260, up to 2400 bps.

    More Tiffany scoops can be had by file-requesting or downloading
    TIFFANY.ZIP, which includes a full chronology of her life and
    career among other things.

    [Yep, that's Tiffany on the cover of the Spy Magazine "Separated
    At Birth II" book, twinned with Julian Lennon, of all people.
    And it's her voice you hear in the "Jetsons" movie coming
    attraction now seen in theaters; she does three songs there as
    well as the voice of Judy Jetson.  Regrettably, her good friend
    Debbie Gibson has to wait a bit longer for her own silver screen
    debut; her "Skirts" movie was scrubbed due to studio politics.
    What are they up to next?  Read the TIFF&DEB echo to find out!]

    DISCLAIMER:  This echo is not endorsed by Deborah Gibson, Tiffany
    or their respective management.  Let's hope they don't sue...

    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 6                   18 Jun 1990


    James Waldron
    1:107/501

    The UNITEX Communications BBS published a feature story in
    FIDONEWS and ALTERNEWS in the summer of 1988, in which we
    described the concept of operating a specialized
    information and news system using data and information from
    'internal' United Nations databases and selected news
    services.  A lot of new developments have occurred since
    then.  The results and findings of this pilot project will
    be discuused at a seminar in the upcoming CONCLAVE '90.
    Below is an abstract highlighting some of the key areas of
    discussion:

                     ABSTRACT

    UNITEX: Specialized Information and Technology Transfer

    Participants:

    James Waldron, Ph.D Senior Director and Research Associate
    Dorothy Nicklus, International NGO Representative to the UN

    Dr. James Waldron has formal training and degrees in
    chemical engineering, chemical physics, computer science
    and the philosophy of science and has taught at Rutgers
    Medical School, New Jersey Institute of Technology and New
    York University as Associate Professor.  Seven years
    industrial experience at a major petroleum corporation as a
    senior systems scientist and research specialist.
    Publisher of specialized software for the typography and
    printing industry (GAMS and CHROMOS). Recipient of several
    NSF and NIH grants and awards.

    Ms. Dorothy Nicklus, UN NGO, has been an International
    Non-Governmental Organization Representative for more than
    nine years. An extensive background at the United Nations
    starting from the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space Conference
    (1981-1982), including the recipient of an INTELSAT-PROJECT
    SHARE grant and other awards. Background includes formal
    training in graphic arts and design, advertising, video
    production and typography. Owner of the REGENT GROUP
    Corporation, specializing in publishing and financial
    printing.

    Subject:

    UNITEX (United Nations Information Transfer Exchange) has
    been pioneering the use and application of wide area
    network technology in the areas of specialized information
    transfer, using micro computers, since 1984.  Starting as a
    pilot project, with the cooperation of UN Department of
    Public Information (UN DPI), UNITEX went on-line in New
    York City with Fido 11w.  Custom software was designed to
    aid and implement the acquisition of data and information
    from several UN international databases maintained on
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 7                   18 Jun 1990


    mainframes in New York, Geneva and Africa. UNITEX added
    other news agencies and related information sources to
    augment what was to become the International UNITEX ECHO
    Conference which became a FidoNet backbone conference in
    September 1987, with worldwide distribution.  Unitex was
    the first organization that distributed, worldwide,
    special  sessions of the United Nations General Assembly,
    along with, regular scheduled meetings anof the UN General
    Assembly, UN press Releases, UN Radio News, news and
    special bulletins from UNICEF

    What started out as a simple stand-alone BBS with no
    network capability became a networked host and gateway for
    a conference that was ported to over two dozen major
    networks in several countries and was available on more
    than ten thousand machines worldwide.  UNITEX was
    highlighted in August 1989 on CNN News - Science and
    Technology Section and has been a source of information for
    international correspondents and journalists as well as a
    host system (WorldTalk Network) to receive articles from
    journalists around the globe.

    UNITEX has been an advocate of publishing and transferring
    unabridged and uncensored news, data and information for
    social benefit. UNITEX spearheaded a major effort to
    open-up an international body of information maintained by
    the United Nations, which previously had very limited
    distribution.  This was done in the general public interest
    and to encourage debate, to exchange ideas and to transfer
    technology between the industrialized nations and the
    developing nations.  The platform for this exchange grew to
    include other related newsworthy and related international
    events, such as the United Nations Environmental Programme;
    health and medical news, concerning crisis intervention,
    treatment of rare diseases, epidemics, worldwide treatment
    and disease prevention programs; United Nations Disaster
    Relief, concerning aid to hurricane victims, natural
    occuring disasters, chemical and radiation accidents;
    Department of Defense news briefings, DOD press releases
    and other related news which can concern a society
    at-large.

    UNITEX is presently running on a PS/2 Model 60, 3 MB ram,
    160 MB storage, Telebit PEP 9600 Baud.

    SEAdog 4.51b/GROUPmail 2.18/OPUS 1.12/KITTEN describe the
    software interfaces.

    The 'gating' of UNITEX has demonstrated some remarkable
    technical feats that would be unheard of only a few years
    ago but has also returned some invaluable data that we will
    discuss in more detail at the UNITEX Seminar.

    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 8                   18 Jun 1990


    Highlights:

    A. The age-old dilemma of performing good science in the
       face of political posturing. The role politics can play
       and it's effect on research and development.

    B. The role of the University InterNet, Research Networks,
       Commercial Networks and the FidoNet.

    C. Democratization of information

    D. Specialized Information Services and Wide Area Networks.

















    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 9                   18 Jun 1990


    =================================================================
                                 COLUMNS
    =================================================================

    Henry Clark
    124/6120


    Hackers --

    In my early days of programming, circa 1977, we did not have
    the tools for program development that we have today.  I wasn't
    using a full screen source editor until around 1981.  When we
    tested our software, it was in the test bed, since we didn't
    develop software on the 'target' machine.  Those were the days
    of 'punch cards' and 'listings'.

    When you tested, and found problems, you didn't stop and
    edit/recompile/relink/load because that cycle could take up to a
    full day.  What you did was PATCH the problem using the binary
    representation of the instructions you needed.  Then you could
    continue testing.  By the end of your test session, you might
    have several patches, which you would then use to rewrite the
    source in preparation for your next testing session.

    Your ability to quickly patch the machine code, and get the
    program working was favorably noted by your supervisors and
    peers.  The art and science of testing under these conditions
    was valuable knowledge and contributed to your reputation as a
    software developer.

    As I look at Webster's Ninth, (C) 1989, I see several
    definitions for the words 'hack' and 'hacker'.  First HACK.
    Most common ( and in use since before the 12th century ) is "to
    cut with repeated irregular or unskillful blows".  In reference
    to program testers, this is a wonderful metaphor, like calling
    the 300 pound man 'Tiny'.  Compared to the source code, a patch
    is a rather unskillful blow to a program.

    Other definitions for the verb form include words like
    "reshape", "rough cuts" and "cutting blows".  These typify the
    standard procedure of program patching where a problem was
    fixed in the most simple way, or entire sections of code are
    branched around in order to get as much code tested in the time
    frame allowed.

    A second definition : hack is short for hackney, a horse
    suitable for riding or driving.  This usage, ( from around 1745
    ) implies a work for hire attitude, with loose
    professionalism.  Taxicab drivers are known as hacks because
    taxis were once horse drawn ( haven't you seen the Sherlock
    Holmes shows ? ).  This analogy clearly fits the good
    programmer, who works like a horse and never wears a tie !

    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 10                  18 Jun 1990


    Hackwork, ( 1851 ), is "literary, artistic or professional work
    done on order according to formula and in conformity with
    commercial standards.  Clearly applicable in the 1970s to
    programming, created according to specifications. There seems
    to be a fit with the appearance of contract programmers, not
    unusual with respect to the artistic nature of programming.

    This brings us now to the word HACKER.  There are two
    definitions.  The first ( from 1620 ) one that hacks, a person
    who is inexperienced or unskilled at a particular activity. The
    second, ( from 1976 ) AN EXPERT AT PROGRAMMING AND SOLVING
    PROBLEMS WITH A COMPUTER.

    It's obvious that HACKER is an endearing term, full of metaphor
    as the hard working, easy going individualist.  At least until
    the early 1980s when two things happened :  1) computers became
    affordable to a wide group of people, and 2) computers became
    widely usable by all types of commercial and governmental
    endeavors.


    Voyeurs, Burglars and Vandals --

    Voyeurism - visual stimulation;  burglary - theft;  vandal -
    to deface.

    Today's definition for HACKER probably stems from the person who
    used his microcomputer to communicate with someone else's
    computer, gained entry to that computer's application or
    operating system command interpreter, and 1) was proud of the
    successful attempt to see what was not supposed to be seen, 2)
    by seeing, stole information and procedures, and 3) may even
    have gone so far as to alter or destroy the information in the
    computer system, or disrupt it's operation.

    Let's call a rose and rose, and a criminal a criminal.


    Where It Hurts Most --

    Since I clearly fit the original ( and positive ) definition of
    hacker, I am a little miffed at this new negative connotation.
    Nearly everyone in this network, who has worked to fit together
    the programs necessary to function with this Network, usually
    without documentation ( trial and error approach ), is a
    hacker in the most positive sense.

    When this modern criminal of the computer variety starts giving
    my hobby a bad name, I can do little but try to educate the
    uninformed.  Like with the VIRUS scares of late, it's hard to
    set the record straight about the merits of a BBS.

    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 11                  18 Jun 1990


    PREACHING TO THE CHOIR mode on :
    The real problem now is that in trying to stamp out criminal
    activities, the law enforcement and regulatory groups are going
    to affect my hobby.  Not, as some would suggest, by
    confiscation of equipment or outright banishment, but in
    increased costs and hassle.  When my pocketbook gets hit, I
    start yelling.


    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 12                  18 Jun 1990


    =================================================================
                                 NOTICES
    =================================================================

                         The Interrupt Stack


    14 Jul 1990
       Start of Eurocon / Techcon conference in Antwerp, Belgium.
       Please note that the date has changed: The conferences are
       one day later than originally planned !

    27 Jul 1990
       The beginning of the REGION 17 Convention at Menucha Resort in
       the Columbia Gorge, Oregon.  For details contact Ken Zwaschka,
       1:105/54.

     1 Aug 1990
       Start of FidoCon '90. Contact Bill Vanglahn at 1:1/90 for
       details.

     5 Oct 1990
       21st Anniversary of "Monty Python's Flying Circus"

     6 Nov 1990
       First anniversary of Van Diepen Automatiseert, 2:500/28

    14 Nov 1990
       Marco Maccaferri's 21rd Birthday. Send greetings to him at
       2:332/16.0

     1 Jan 1991
       Implementation of 7% Goods and Services Tax in Canada. Contact
       Joe Lindstrom at 1:134/55 for a more colorful description.

    16 Feb 1991
       Fifth anniversary of the introduction of Echomail, by Jeff Rush.

     7 Oct 1991
       Area code  415  fragments.   Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
       will  begin  using  area  code  510.   This includes  Oakland,
       Concord, Berkeley  and  Hayward.    San  Francisco, San Mateo,
       Marin, parts of  Santa Clara County, and the San Francisco Bay
       Islands will retain area code 415.

     1 Feb 1992
       Area  code 213 fragments.    Western,  coastal,  southern  and
       eastern portions of Los Angeles  County  will begin using area
       code 310.  This includes Los  Angeles  International  Airport,
       West  Los  Angeles,  San  Pedro and Whittier.    Downtown  Los
       Angeles  and  surrounding  communities  (such as Hollywood and
    FIDONEWS 7-25                Page 13                  18 Jun 1990


       Montebello) will retain area code 213.


    If you have something which you would like to see on this
    calendar, please send a message to FidoNet node 1:1/1.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------